Transmission Line Developer Wants to Send Surplus Texas Wind Power to Other States

Transmission Line Developer Wants to Send Surplus Texas Wind Power to Other States

San Francisco-based Pattern Energy wants to build a 400-mile transmission line to carry surplus wind power from Texas wind farms to points east. The $1 billion line would carry the electricity to Mississippi where it could be sent through existing transmission lines to Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and other southern states. Wind

farms in Texas produce far more power than the state can use and Pattern CEO Mike Garland sees no reason not to send it to regions that don't have as many renewable energy resources. The company said it would like to get the necessary permits within two years and anticipates it would take three years after that to complete construction.

Quick Take: Texas and other parts of the country are choking on an abundance of wind power with nowhere to send it. If permitting and other regulatory processes go smoothly, this could be a win-win for Texas and the less blustery southern states.

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